Restored iconic bull sculpture unveiled by Roehampton community

A shaggy bronze bull that has stood on the Alton Estate for more than 60 years is showcasing a new look after a dedicated conservation project.

Wandsworth Council worked with charity Heritage of London Trust to complete the restoration of the ten-foot long bull, which was created by celebrated artist Robert Clatworthy.

The Grade II* listed heritage sculpture Bull – which was installed on Roehampton’s Downshire Field in 1961 – has now been restored to its former glory.

Schoolchildren from The Alton School and Roehampton Church Forest School joined the Mayor of Wandsworth Sana Jafri, as part of Heritage of London Trust's Proud Places programme, to unveil the majestic sculpture on Tuesday 26 November.

Installed in 1961

Local resident Stephen Ballard was a schoolboy when the sculpture was first installed, and remembers the public art coming to Downshire Field, off Danebury Avenue.

Stephen said: “I was living across the street when they first installed the sculpture in 1961, after my family moved here in 1958.”

“I was about six at the time and I remember the lead up to it, as they told us they were going to build something here. It was either going to be a children’s playground, a paddling pool, or a bull sculpture. I can remember it like it was yesterday, we weren’t too happy at first because we wanted a playground.

“But they made the right decision because it has lasted and it’s a magnificent piece in the area. It’s good to see it restored.”

The restoration by Heritage of London Trust included removal of dirt, spray paint and corrosion, as well as a repatination and rewaxing.

Find out more about the Heritage of London Trust's Proud Places programme

‘Proud of the local legacy’

Alton School pupil Jeremiah Evans unveiled the restored sculpture on 26 November, while children from Roehampton Church Forest School performed poems they had written about the Bull’s life over the past 63 years.

“I’ve seen Bull many times and I really like it, I sometimes come and play down here,” said Jeremiah. “We learned about how it was put down here after World War II. It looks a lot different now, cleaner and nicer.”

The sculpture was originally commissioned as part of a post-war public art project, which also included the installation of Lynn Chadwick’s Grade II listed bronze figures The Watchers in Roehampton in 1963.

Councillor Jafri said the restored bronze bull was “a symbol of our community’s strength and heritage”.

“This much-loved sculpture has stood here in Roehampton for over 60 years as a testament to resilience and creativity,” she added.

“As we unveil the restored bull, we’re proud of the local legacy it represents. Our thanks go to the Heritage of London Trust, whose support made this restoration possible, preserving Alton’s cultural history for future generations.”

Alton Renewal Plan

The Mayor highlighted the project alongside the council’s Alton Renewal Plan, which is revitalising the area by improving public spaces, streets, transport, homes, community facilities and job opportunities.

Cllr Jafri said: “This investment reflects our commitment to listening to what local communities need and building a better future for everyone living and working here.”

As part of the Alton Renewal Plan, Downshire Field Play Space will be developed as a naturalistic play area connecting children with nature amongst parkland and mature trees at the top of the field. The play space will include new paths and nature trail, a climbing structure, picnic table, trim trail and sand pit.

Find out more about Alton projects on the Alton Renewal website